Job Discussion Forums

[therock]

As I understand, not everybody in Thailand works on a valid work permit. Some do not qualify for one, some employers do not provide one and some people work several part time jobs, so they don't have a employer who is there sponsor.

So if you are not working with a valid working permit, how do you work in Thailand?. I have heard people doing "visa runs" but you only get a month for every stamp. That means if you are planning on staying in Thailand for a year you would have to do 12 visa runs. Not so much the cost, but doing this every month seems like a hassle. Then there is getting a tourist visa for 60 days, once that is up is it easy to get another one straight away? What other options are available if you do not have a valid work permit?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

^ Hi


First, try to think positive!

Many people do get work permits.

Even without a university degree, it's possible.

Not always easy, but still possible.

One of our regular posters (laura1d) is living proof of that.


If, for some reason, you don't end up with a WP,

there's no need to panic. There are other options;

not totally legal, but certainly widespread.

In my case, I taught for a year on a Non-B visa,

which I was able to get with a simple letter of employment.

With a Non-B, you do the visa-run every 3 months; it's no big deal.


In my second year, I've been doing the visa-run every 30 days,

since I haven't yet decided to commit to another full year in Bangkok,

or maybe head into the countryside for a year or 2.


Re: the visa-run hassle factor:

I mentioned this recently on another thread;

I actually look forward to the visa-run.

If you hook up with a decent service (which I can recommend)

it's a relaxing afternoon drive through the countryside.

You leave at 10am, and you're back in BKK by 7pm; hassle free.

It's 2,000 Baht, but that includes your Cambodia visa, a hot lunch,

and 2 ten minute potty breaks at a clean rest stop

with a very well-stocked convenience store.


kenkannif may have some other creative ideas for you as well.

He's our resident visa guru, and I'm sure he'll pop in here any minute now.

[kenkannif]

[therock]

Thanks for the advice Kent F. Kruhoeffer and kenkannif, its much appreciated.

One question about the visa run, do the immigration officials at the border get suspicious if you have all these Thai entry stamps in your passport? I mean if you did the visa run say 6 months in a row will the immigration officials start asking questions? Or worse reject you from coming into the country? Thats the thought I am having, going on a visa run for my 6th time then at the border the immigration officials are grilling me over why I have been in Thailand for so long.

I think maybe I'll try and get the double or triple tourist visa first up as it gives you longer before doing the visa runs. Does anyone know if its possible to get a double or triple tourist visa in Beijing? One other thing I have 2.5 years experience teaching English in Japan and China, will this experience help me in Thailand in finding a job, getting the work permit?

Kent, what visa run service can you recommend?

[JosephP]

Back in the mid to late 90s when I lived in Songkhla it was common for almost all teachers to do the monthly run to Sadao or to Padang Besar. Not so bad and the cheap ciggies and booze at the duty free were nice to stock up on.

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Hi mate:


Don't worry about doing the visa-run!

Check out this service when and if you need it:

http://www.freewebs.com/quickthaivisa/index.htm (Quick Thai Visa)


For related information (and additional visa services) check out the FAQ

located at the top of the Thai Forum here @ Dave's. Just click on:

The Master Index & TEFL FAQ Thailand, and then scroll down

to FAQ 2.2 for the visa-run links.

[kenkannif]

[Jared]

[JosephP]

[kenkannif]

[Jared]

Thanks kenkannif + josephP Just 2 more questions. Are the street signs in Bangkok and other cities bilingual in english and Thai? Also, is it easy for a foreigner to find a girlfriend in Thailand? Just thought I'd ask. See ya.

[kenkannif]

Yeah mostly the street signs are in both English and Thai. Although I suppose some of the smaller cities might not have them (I don't get out much).

It's easy to find girls here mate, girlfriends well....some people seem to find it easy, some people get utterly ripped off etc.

I'd say come over, spend some time and what happens happens.